Introduction Isatis tinctoria is a non-food Brassica plant that was extensively cultivated in Europe between the 12th and 17th centuries for the production of the blue indigo naturalis dye pigment. Presently, a project is underway to reintroduce the species to several European regions. However, the mere production of the pigment does not necessarily guarantee the economic viability of its cultivation. A considerable body of research has been dedicated to examining the antioxidant capacity of this plant. Extensive studies have demonstrated that extracts obtained from the cauline leaves exhibit notable antioxidant properties. Consequently, a direct incompatibility exists in the valorization of the plant between the production of pigment and the production of antioxidant compounds.Methods This study aims to circumvent this competitive dynamic; a zero-waste valorization of Isatis tinctoria can be posited. The antioxidant potential of both leaf residues after pigment extraction and roots was evaluated from a hydroponic culture of Isatis tinctoria. The antioxidant capacity of the obtained extracts was evaluated according to four colorimetric tests: ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC.Results The results of the study indicate that the re-use of the cauline leaves of Isatis tinctoria is possible, in particular through its DPPH (544 & micro;mol TE/100 g DW) and CUPRAC (807 & micro;mol TE/100 g DW) activities. Nevertheless, the drying process following pigment extraction must be enhanced to ensure the reproducibility of results. It has been observed that the roots of Isatis tinctoria exhibit a degree of interest, albeit to a more moderate extent, in terms of metal reduction activities (FRAP: 120 & micro;mol TE/100 g FW; CUPRAC: 250 & micro;mol TE/100 g FW).Discussion However, it is imperative to optimize both the drying step and the extraction methodology. Furthermore, the components constituting both extracts must be characterized.Conclusion The subsequent study demonstrated that Isatis tinctoria leaves, a byproduct of indigo extraction, can be valorized through a biocascade approach for the production of an antioxidant extract. Furthermore, the study suggests that plant zero-waste valorization can be achieved through the extraction of antioxidants from Isatis tinctoria roots.

Tobacco plants are grown worldwide by thousands of families who are financially dependent on the crop for cigarette production. The stricter tobacco laws force these producers to find alternatives to sell this product. In addition, in this regard, the European Union must look to develop its own greener processes giving at the same time independence from eastern countries. Nearly 50 % of the current overall market for nicotine, which is being used, as a bioactive compound, comes from China. The present study compares the environmental life cycle impacts of different methods to extract nicotine from tobacco leaves (the maceration and the mechanochemical process). These have been compared with an ecoefficiency analysis in terms of environmental performance (with life cycle assessment methodology), financial performance (with an economic analysis of the operational costs) and assessing energy consumption as a transversal indicator. The maceration process would be more advisable in the case that energy supply is considered a limiting resource. Even though, this might be compensated using solar panels or other renewable energy sources. In addition, the mechanochemical process achieves higher nicotine extraction rate (1.91 wt%) than the maceration process (1.78 wt%). After the complete evaluation, it has been concluded that the highest nicotine extraction rate of the mechanochemical process compensates for its higher energy consumption. Therefore, when considering the whole life-cycle, the mechanochemical process presents about 7 % lower environmental impacts and slightly better (2 %) economic balance than the maceration process.

Plant biodiversity is a rich source of bioactive molecules of pharmaceutical interest, yet it is increasingly threatened by the decline of many species. In this context, the present study focused on two Viola species (Family Violaceae): the wild pansy (Viola tricolor), a common and well-studied species, and the dune pansy (Viola curtisii), a rare, endangered and vulnerable species protected in the Hauts-de-France region. Various extraction methods, including decoction, maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction with green solvents, were applied to both fresh and dried plant material: aerial part or flowers. The extracts were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against bacteria, yeasts, and molds, as well as for their antioxidant potential. V. tricolor exhibited antimicrobial activity, particularly against bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus or the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with some extracts also active against molds. Extracts from fresh V. curtisii flowers showed strong antibacterial effects, with minimum inhibitory concentrations lower than those of ampicillin used as a reference control. All extracts displayed notable antioxidant activity, with V. tricolor flower extracts showing the highest level. The HPLC-HRMS phytochemical profiling revealed that both species share a similar profile and are rich in flavonoids, including rutin, violanthin, manghaslin and kaempferol derivatives, which likely contribute to their antioxidant activity, while robinin was detected exclusively in V. curtisii flowers. These results highlight the complementarity of the two species, whose bioactive profiles vary with plant material and extraction methods, emphasizing their pharmacological potential and relevance for conservation and valorization of regional plant resources.

Conventional chemo- and radioactive therapies are unable to control abnormally increasing rate of breast cancer due to their adverse side effects. The current study has developed tamoxifen encapsulated folic acid functionalized ZnO nanoparticles (Txf-ZnO-FA) for targeted breast cancer treatment. The synthesized nanoconjugate characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and XRD and subjected to different biological assays including drug release assay, DPPH assay, protein denaturation, MTT assay, hemolysis assay, and DNA damage assay. The UV-Vis spectra showed sharp peaks at 210 nm and 270 nm while particle size distribution displayed high homogeneity with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.28. FT-IR spectra provided distinct broad and sharp peaks while spherical hexagonal, and slightly irregular morphology was confirmed through SEM with excellent elemental composition by EDX and crystalline nature with phase purity of nanoconjugate was assessed by XRD spectrum which exhibited sharp peaks at 2θ values of 32.1°, 33.8°, 38.2°, 46.5°, 57.3°, and 69.8°. Biological assays revealed biocompatible nature of ZnO nano-formulations with 80% and 90% drug release efficacy of ZnO NPs in the presence and absence of proteinase K at pH 5.4, respectively. DPPH assay showed excellent antioxidant potential of Txf-ZnO-FA, protein denaturation assay revealed excellent anti-inflammatory efficacy while maximum cell viability of Txf-ZnO-FA was obtained with IC50 value 52 µg/mL. Moreover, significantly low hemolysis rate i.e. 0.84% indicating the non-genotoxic nature of nanoconjugate. These findings have provided clear indication to use ZnO nanoparticles with drug loaded formulation in breast cancer treatment after further in vivo studies and proper clinical trials.

The analytical characterization of essential oils (EOs) is often interpreted primarily in terms of biological variability, although analytical conditions may also affect compositional profiling and data comparability. In this study, the influence of chromatographic conditions on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling was investigated. Five EOs representing chemically diverse plant matrices, including Pistacia lentiscus (resin and stem) and leaf oils from Salvia rosmarinus, Laurus nobilis, and Thymus vulgaris, were analyzed using two capillary columns with different stationary phases: RTX-5MS (5% phenyl-substituted polysiloxane) and CP-Sil 5 CB (100% dimethylpolysiloxane). Comparative analysis revealed reproducible differences in chromatographic profiles and relative peak-area distribution, particularly within terpene-rich regions containing structurally related compounds. The most pronounced effects were observed for highly volatile monoterpenes, which were underrepresented under CP conditions. These findings demonstrate that chromatographic selectivity and column geometry may affect the semi-quantitative representation of EO profiles and contribute to variability in reported compositions. Overall, the results highlight the importance of carefully controlled analytical conditions in EO characterization.

Feed additives are crucial in livestock production, enhancing performance, health, and reproductive efficiency. Recently, there has been a shift toward natural biomolecules as feed additives, specifically targeting improved reproductive outcomes and sperm quality. This transition arises from concerns about antibiotic misuse, antimicrobial resistance, and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, along with the superior bioavailability, lower toxicity, and reduced environmental impact of natural biomolecules compared to synthetic alternatives. Collaboration among researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and regulators is essential to ensure safe and effective livestock management. The review explores advancements in using vital biomolecules in reproductive processes, including plant-derived bioactives such as phytochemicals and antioxidants. It investigates not only the mechanisms but also the intricate interactions of these compounds with animals’ hormonal and physiological systems. Additionally, the review critically assesses challenges and prospects related to incorporating natural biomolecules into livestock practices. The potential benefits include enhanced reproductive efficiency and improved sperm quality. However, successful implementation requires understanding factors like precise dosing, potential interactions, and long-term health impacts. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights recent research, technological strides, and the future potential of integrating natural biomolecules into animal diets.

The leather industry is a key contributor to the country's economy but faces serious concerns about surface protection from microbial contamination. Various chemical methods are being applied to leather surface processing but they often release topic compounds dangerous for human body. Nanoparticles endowed with antimicrobial properties are proved to be an efficient approach for leather protection. The current study provides eco-friendly approach for synthesis and characterization of citric acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles, examining their potential antimicrobial agent within the leather industry. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were synthesized via aqueous co-precipitation method, subsequently functionalized with citric acid and characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM-EDAX, and XRD. The antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi was evaluated through agar well-diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and biofilm inhibition. All the results were statistically calculated through one-way ANOVA. UV-visible spectroscopy showed peak for Fe3O4 NPs at 280 nm while for Fe3O4@CA at 310 nm. The FTIR spectrum showed various distinct peaks at 3211.48, 1579.70, 1409.96, 1344.38, 1018.41, and 675.09 cm-1 and SEM-EDAX revealed semi-spherical morphology of nanoparticles with average particle size 40 nm. The XRD graph showed peaks at 2Ɵ of 27.2o, 35.7o, 47.1o, 57.0o and 60.8o which intimated to the crystal plane of (220), (311), (400), (511) and (440), respectively. The distinct zones of inhibition were observed against these pathogenic strains i.e. and Escherichia coli (ATCC 15597) (27 ± 0.9 mm), followed by Aspergillus niger (23 ± 0.2 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) (22 ± 0.7 mm). Results of MIC i.e. 0.3 mg/mL for bacterial strains and 0.625 mg/mL for fungal strains were the least concentration of inhibition while biofilm inhibition with no visible growth in Fe3O4@CA containing samples, revealed the excellent antimicrobial potential of Fe3O4@CA nanoparticles. These findings suggest an effective method for synthesizing Fe3O4@CA nanoparticles, whose antimicrobial properties will be advantageous for protecting leather material from various microbial contaminations.

Plants are the rich source of biologically active compounds which can be obliging against various pathogenic microorganisms and cancerous diseases. The current study evaluated the antibacterial potential of aqueous, methanol, ethanol, and acetone extracts of Malus domestica (apple), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon) and Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain) via agar well diffusion methods and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in (mm) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 19430). The antioxidant properties including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH and reducing power was determined by UV/VIS spectrophotometery and all the results interpreted through one way ANOVA (STATISTICA). In the results, methanolic and acetonic extracts of C. verum has shown maximum zone of inhibition (22.3 ± 0.58 mm) against S. aureus while for C. verum and T. ammi, ethanolic extracts has expressed the maximum zone of inhibition (22.3 ± 0.58 mm) against S. typhi and for M. domestica the methanolic extracts has exhibited highest zone of inhibition (18 ± 0.56 mm) among all other extracts of M. domestica. The MIC values were comparable with antimicrobial activity. Among the antioxidant activity analysis, the highest level of TPC has observed in aqueous extract of M. domestica 72.15 ± 1.80 mg GAE/g, while highest TFC was observed in methanolic extracts of M. domestica 15.62 ± 0.25 µg CE/g. The DPPH assay showed maximum percentage inhibition 123% in the methanolic extract of M. domestica, while highest reducing potential 13.42 ± 1.15 nm was observed in aqueous extract of C. verum. This study has compared three potential medicinal plants with biological active and eco-friendly components which play crucial role in therapeutics.

This review explores inulin as a versatile dietary fiber, covering its extraction, characterization, functional properties, applications, chemical modifications and sustainability. It first presents conventional and emerging extraction methods, including hot water, microwave and ultrasound‑assisted extraction, enzymatic processes and pulsed electric fields, together with purification by ion‑exchange resins and membrane filtration, and analytical techniques (FTIR, HPLC, TLC) used to identify and quantify inulin. The influence of degree of polymerization and molecular weight distribution on solubility, rheology, thermal stability and sweetness is then discussed, highlighting inulin’s role as a fat and sugar replacer in complex food matrices. The manuscript reviews applications in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural and cosmetic fields, focusing on prebiotic effects, texture modulation, drug delivery and biostimulant potential. Significant attention is given to chemically modified inulins (butyrate, acetyl, carboxymethyl, and other functionality derivatives) that provide enhanced stability, bioactivity, encapsulation efficiency, and sensory characteristics. Finally, the review examines economic, environmental, and social aspects, focusing on the valorization of chicory and artichoke by-products and positions inulin as a key ingredient for the developed of healthier and more sustainable products.

Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), also known as woad or dyer’s woad, is an ancient plant with a rosy future ahead. Most of the knowledge about woad is related to indigo dye production and its medicinal applications, especially its leaves. The general interest in woad has decreased with the rise of petroleum-based products. However, nowadays this plant is attracting interest again with industries reintroducing natural dyes. To meet the market demand in a sustainable manner, recent studies have focused specifically on woad seeds, leading to a valorization of the whole woad plant. This review provides an overview of the botanical, phytochemical composition, and properties of woad seeds, primarily supporting their cosmetic and pharmaceutical potential. From a chemical point of view, woad seeds mainly contain fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols and glucosinolates. These compounds have been investigated through their extraction and analytical methods, as well as their properties and industrial applications.

Calotropis procera and Zanthoxylum decaryi are endemic plants of Madagascar that have recently attracted scientific interest due to their invasive nature and their potential valorization as sustainable biomass resources. Those two plant materials are traditionally used in different ethno medicines to cure ailments. The study focuses on the phytochemical analysis and antioxidant evaluation of Calotropis procera leaves (CPL) and Zanthoxylum decaryi bark (ZDB), two endemic plant species of Madagascar with promising applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. The main objectives are: (1) To characterize the phytochemical composition of CPL and ZDB; (2) To assess their antioxidant activity using spectrophotometric assays (TPC, DPPH, ABTS); and (3) To perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds via LC-MS. Limited information is available regarding the detailed chemical composition of these plants and their specific parts. This study aims to address this knowledge gap through comprehensive phytochemical screening and the evaluation of their antioxidant activities. A better understanding of these plants would help to manage them correctly in the wild.Indeed, they are two endangered species, making their promotion within the modern scientific community crucial. Besides, the study ofnatural products, including those two Malagasy plants, is of huge relevance in the current scientific context.

The present work focuses on the utilization of potato peel waste for the production of bioethanol. In the present study, extensive screening was undertaken to isolate amylolytic and cellulolytic microbes using starchy biomass. After confirming the chemical composition of potato peel waste (PPW), several trials were performed to enhance the amylase and cellulase production from Bacillus subtilis to hydrolyze the PPW in submerged fermentation. Optimization of physical parameters was performed using both commercial and indigenous media from enzymatically hydrolyzed PPW. Different routes of various combinations were designed to enhance bioethanol production. The maximum ethanol titer of 0.50% and 0.41% was recorded in Route B and A, i.e., separate saccharification and ethanol fermentation and consolidated fermentation. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) also measured a good ethanol yield of 0.46%. The fermented residual cake was checked for nutritional components and showed a high content of protein and amino acids because of the addition of unicellular yeasts. This cake can be utilized as an animal feed supplement.

Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses, can negatively impact animal health, welfare, and productivity. In livestock, diseases are often correlated with reduced antioxidant status. To mitigate oxidative stress, natural antioxidants have gained attention as alternatives to synthetic compounds. The growing need for safe and natural animal products has led to the increased use of plant food additives (PFAs) as antioxidants in animal feed. These natural sources include plant extracts, essential oils, and bioactive compounds-rich by-products. Such antioxidants can enhance product quality, oxidative stability, and shelf life in ruminants, swine, and rabbits. Additionally, maintaining a good antioxidant status positively affects meat quality parameters, including vitamin E content and reduced lipid peroxidation. This review explores the properties of natural antioxidants, extraction methods, and their significance in promoting animal welfare, performance, and product quality.

Species belonging to the genus Bacillus produce many advantageous extracellular enzymes that have tremendous applications on a commercial scale for the textile, detergent, feed, food, and beverage industries. This study aimed to isolate potent thermo-tolerant amylolytic and cellulolytic bacterium from the local environment. Using the Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology, we further optimized the amylase and cellulase activity. The isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus subtilis QY4. This study utilized potato peel waste (PPW) as the biomaterial, which is excessively being dumped in an open environment. Nutritional status of the dried PPW was determined by proximate analysis. All experimental runs were carried out in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing acid treated PPW as a substrate by the thermos-tolerant Bacillus subtilis QY4 incubated at 37 °C for 72 h of submerged fermentation. Results revealed that the dilute H2SO4 assisted autoclaved treatment favored more amylase production (0.601 IU/mL/min) compared to the acid treatment whereas high cellulase production (1.269 IU/mL/min) was observed in the dilute acid treatment and was found to be very effective compared to the acid assisted autoclaved treatment. The p-value, F-value, and coefficient of determination proved the significance of the model. These results suggest that PPW could be sustainably used to produce enzymes, which offer tremendous applications in various industrial arrays, particularly in biofuel production.

Two new quinazoline derivatives were investigated in this research, namely 12-(4-methoxyphenyl) and 3,3-dimethyl-12-(4-nitrophenyl)-3,4,5,12-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[2, 1-b]quinazolin-1(2H)-one (Q-NO2). In 1M hydrochloric acid (HCl), -3,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,12-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin-1(2H)-one (Q-OMe) proved to be an extremely effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel. The maximum inhibition efficiencies of 94.7% for Q-NO2 and 96.7% for Q-OMe were achieved when the performance of the inhibitors was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). According to these findings, the Q-NO2 and Q-OMe molecules have a remarkable ability to generate a dense, resistant protective film on the mild steel surface. This protective film acted as a barrier, effectively blocking the penetration of corrosive ions and their interaction with the mild steel substrate. The adsorption characteristics of these inhibitors on the mild steel surface conform to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. PDP experiments show that Q-NO2 and Q-OMe act as mixed-type inhibitors for mild steel in 1.0M HCl. Surface characterization by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) determined that a protective layer had formed on the steel surface, preventing corrosion. The experimental results were corroborated by theoretical insights from density functional theory (DFT), which further clarified the molecular adsorption processes. This work highlights the potential of Q-NO2 and Q-OMe as effective inhibitors to protect mild steel in acidic situation.

Potato peel waste (PPW) is an underutilized substrate which is produced in huge amounts by food processing industries. Using PPW a feedstock for production of useful compounds can overcome the problem of waste management as well as cost-effective. In present study, potential of PPW was investigated using chemical and thermochemical treatment processes. Three independent variables i.e., PPW concentration, dilute sulphuric acid concentration and liberation time were selected to optimize the production of fermentable sugars (TS and RS) and phenolic compounds (TP). These three process variables were selected in the range of 5–15 g w/v substrate, 0.8–1.2 v/v acid conc. and 4–6 h. Whole treatment process was optimized by using box-behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Highest yield of total and reducing sugars and total phenolic compounds obtained after chemical treatment was 188.00, 144.42 and 43.68 mg/gds, respectively. The maximum yield of fermentable sugars attained by acid plus steam treatment were 720.00 and 660.62 mg/gds of TS and RS, respectively w.r.t 5% substrate conc. in 0.8% acid with residence time of 6 h. Results recorded that acid assisted autoclaved treatment could be an effective process for PPW deconstruction. Characterization of substrate before and after treatment was checked by SEM and FTIR. Spectras and micrographs confirmed the topographical variations in treated substrate. The present study was aimed to utilize biowaste and to determine cost-effective conditions for degradation of PWW into value added compounds.